Associate Director, Event Operations & Client Accounts

The Associate Director, Embedded Solutions

Employment Type: Full-time
Location: New York, NY
Work Site Type: Hybrid

Key Responsibilities

• Requires leadership of multi-service and/or global remit for a dedicated account or portfolio of accounts
• Lead and develop Team Leads and broader event teams, ensuring consistent performance and coverage across client accounts
• Own resource planning, team capacity, and workload allocation across accounts, ensuring teams are effectively structured and supported
• Drive team performance, development, and succession planning, fostering continuous growth and a high-performance culture
• Identify and address performance issues or challenges that affect productivity, escalating concerns as necessary. Encourage open communication for rapid resolution
• Coordinate bi-weekly team meetings, including content and agenda management
• Work with the People & Culture team to recruit and develop talent, including overseeing training requirements and supporting leadership in hiring for open roles
• Lead onboarding for new team members, ensuring smooth transitions and effective induction processes
• Act as a senior point of contact for clients, building strong, trusted relationships and ensuring alignment with client expectations. Serve as a strategic partner to stakeholders
• Partner with clients and teams to solve complex challenges with practical, scalable solutions while supporting ongoing team development
• Strengthen relationships with client leadership and internal stakeholders
• Partner with FIRST Leadership to align on strategic initiatives and contribute to broader business objectives
• Oversee delivery across event programs, ensuring alignment with KPIs, SLAs, and consistent high-quality outcomes. Drive operational efficiency across teams
• Drive operational excellence by implementing best practices, improving processes, and supporting knowledge sharing across teams
• Maintain oversight of reporting and operational performance, ensuring accuracy and actionable insights
• Support the development and adoption of best practices across teams
• Identify opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance client value across workflows
• Support cost-aware decision-making and ensure commercially viable solutions across accounts
• Support account growth initiatives, including RFPs, renewals, and strategic account development
• Collaborate with leadership to identify account growth opportunities and drive continuous improvement across service delivery

Requirements

• 10+ years’ event management experience, preferably in the financial services industry or a corporate environment
• 3+ years’ of people management experience, including a proven track record of managing and training teams. Experience managing lower-level managers with oversight of the broader team
• Advanced experience of events and conferences including but not limited to C-level executive events, cocktail receptions and meetings and conferences
• Experience with venue sourcing including extensive knowledge in contracting, negotiation and commission collection may be required
• Experience with event and registration technology, particularly Cvent and Dealogic / Conference Manager may be required
• Experience with virtual platforms including but not limited to; Zoom, Webex and On24 may be required
• Extensive experience in working with and managing senior clients
• Strong leadership experience; both leading and motivating colleagues in a manner that enhances working relationships and encapsulates the company brand and values
• Advanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Excellent written and oral communication skills at all levels
• Strong proficiency with Microsoft Office, specifically Excel
• Extensive industry knowledge of new suppliers, venues, services, and best practices
• Strong client management skills with the ability to influence and lead by example, fostering a positive environment
• Able to create best practice and take on new initiatives independently
• Client centric, approachable, ability to adjust to client needs and style and deepen relationships in support of their business and programs; adapt to ever changing demands and different client work styles
• Motivated, self-starter, ability to take direction and work independently; ability to think innovatively
• Leadership/influencing/negotiation and decision-making skills
• Travel up to 20%

Benefits

• Medical, Dental & Vision which includes the option of a high-deductible health plan (HDHP) with a health savings account (HSA)
• 401 (k)
• Five Flexible Spending Accounts Options
• Generous Paid Time Off Allowance
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Life, Disability & Pet Coverages
• Wellness Stipend
• Complimentary access to Headspace, Teladoc, Maven, Rocket Lawyer, Mobilo & more
• Aura Identity Theft Protection
• Discretionary Bonus Structure
• Global Opportunities: With a presence in 7 countries worldwide, including headquarters in London, New York, and Singapore, you may have the opportunity to work on exciting projects across different locations.